Jeffrey J. Juliano

1954 - 2025

age 70, passed away March 27, 2025, at his home in Chesterland. Beloved son of the late Dr. Louis J. and Betty Bares Juliano, and cherished brother of L. James Jr. (Terry), Jane, Betsy and Richard (Erika). Fond uncle of Thomas, Laura (James Nelson), Jacqueline, Saveria and Mirabella Juliano. Great-uncle, nephew, cousin, friend and bandmate to many.
Jeff was born June 29, 1954, in Cleveland, and grew up in Cleveland Hts. After graduating from Heights High School in 1972, he embarked on an extraordinary career of five decades as a professional drummer. At various times, Jeff lived in San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, New York, Amsterdam and New Orleans, as well as periodic sojourns back in the Cleveland area before settling there in retirement.
Jeff toured throughout North America and Europe with a variety of well-known bands, playing across a wide range of genres. He also enjoyed appearing in jazz groups with his father, brothers and their associates. Jeff brought together his expert skills as a percussion teacher, technician and historian while helping manage the innovative Drummers Collective in New York City during the 1980s.
Musically, Jeff was best known as a respected master of New Orleans drumming styles, becoming a fixture on the highly-demanding scene in the Crescent City, including countless Mardi Gras celebrations and appearances at Jazz Fest. During his stint with the legendary Dukes of Dixieland, Jeff recorded the CD "When Country Meets Dixie" and performed with the Boston Pops at Symphony Hall.
As a lifelong devotee of Italian culture, Jeff established ongoing communications with relatives in the Molise region, especially beloved cugino Dante. He led an unforgettable family trip to his grandfather's hometown of Oratino in 1995, and later studied the country's language and cuisine during extended residencies there.
Jeff's sense of humor was like no other, encompassing unique wordplay, classic comedic references, and hilarious stories detailing the absurdities he encountered living in America's major cities. He loved visiting with his nephew, nieces and cousins, as well as the pets belonging to his parents and siblings through the years.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to The Music Settlement in support of The Bop Stop at www.themusicsettlement.org/donate.
The family will receive friends at the SCHULTE & MAHON-MURPHY FUNERAL HOME, 5252 MAYFIELD RD., LYNDHURST (BETWEEN RICHMOND AND BRAINARD) THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2025 FROM 3:00 TO 5:00 P.M., WITH A SERVICE TAKING PLACE THERE AT 5:00 P.M. THE SERVICE WILL BE LIVE-STREAMED at www.schultemahonmurphy.com. Interment will be private. Please sign the funeral home Tribute Wall at: